Tribological Properties and Microstructures of Tungsten Carbide and Few-Layer Graphene-Reinforced Aluminum-Based Composites

Abstract

The present work investigates the tribological properties and microstructures of tungsten carbide (WC: 0-30 wt%) and few-layer graphene (FLG: 0.1-0.5 wt%)-reinforced aluminum matrix composites fabricated via the powder metallurgy route. The tribological and mechanical behavior of the produced samples were investigated by the pin-on-disk wear testing machine, micro-Vickers hardness test unit, and compressive test machine. Based on the test results, Al-30 wt%WC-0.3 wt% FLG composite exhibited maximum density (3.35 +/- 0.01 g/cm(3)), hardness (98 +/- 1.5 HV), compressive strength (189 +/- 4 MPa), and lowest mass loss (0.9 mg), wear rate (1.1 x 10(-4) mm(3)/(Nm)), coefficient of friction (0.14). Compared to pure aluminum, the hardness, compressive strength, wear rate, and friction coefficient of Al-30%WC-0.3%FLG was improved by similar to 250%, similar to 77%, 428%, and similar to 77%, respectively. After 0.3 wt% FLG content, the tribological and mechanical properties were decreased due to the agglomerated graphene nanoplatelets from the scanning electron microscope image of the Al-30%WC-0.5%FLG composite.